The Carolina Hurricanes made a move on Thursday that adds a bit of scoring upside to their organizational depth, acquiring forward Viktor Neuchev from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defenseman Gavin Bayreuther. Neuchev will report to the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, where he’ll look to continue developing his game and potentially work his way into Carolina’s long-term plans.
Neuchev, 22, is a skilled winger with a scoring touch and offensive instincts that have flashed at various levels. So far this season with the Rochester Americans, Buffalo’s AHL affiliate, he’s tallied 16 points (6 goals, 10 assists) in 34 games-a solid showing for a young forward adjusting to the North American game.
Originally from Chelyabinsk, Russia, Neuchev has been steadily climbing the pro ranks since his days in the Russian junior system. Before crossing the pond, he saw time in the KHL with Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg, where he logged 58 games and chipped in 12 points. While those numbers don’t jump off the page, it’s important to remember that the KHL isn’t always a young player’s league-earning ice time alone is a meaningful step, especially for a teenager.
He also made stops in the VHL and MHL, Russia’s second-tier pro league and junior league, respectively. His production in the MHL was particularly eye-catching: 96 points in 104 games, including 54 goals. That kind of output is what got him noticed in the first place, leading to his selection by the Sabres in the third round (74th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft.
At 5’11” and 180 pounds, Neuchev isn’t the biggest player on the ice, but he brings a blend of skill and offensive creativity that fits the mold of a modern winger. He’s still refining the defensive side of his game and adjusting to the pace and physicality of the North American pro circuit, but the tools are there. With the move to Chicago, he’ll get a fresh opportunity to showcase his upside in a new system.
On the other side of the deal, Gavin Bayreuther heads to Buffalo. The veteran defenseman has NHL experience and provides depth for the Sabres, who continue to shuffle pieces as they look for the right mix on the blue line.
For Carolina, this is a low-risk, high-upside swing-exactly the kind of move you make when you’re confident in your development pipeline and looking to stock the cupboards with potential. Neuchev may not be NHL-ready just yet, but he’s young, skilled, and has already shown he can produce in the AHL. If he can take the next step in Chicago, the Hurricanes may have quietly added a future contributor without giving up a major piece.